How Heavy Was Alexander Volkanovski in His Rugby Career? Record, Stats & More

Alexander Volkanovski’s sporting career before UFC is a fascinating journey filled with triumphs, challenges, and exceptional talent. The former featherweight champion was once a semi-professional rugby player in his home country of Australia. Sounds unbelievable, right? Clearly, ‘The Great’ is a man of many sports and talents.

From his early days on the field to his groundbreaking achievements, ‘The Great’ left an interesting mark in his personal history as he played in New South Wales, his hometown. And it wasn’t just some insignificant pursuit of the sport as he collected multiple accolades for himself and his team, even helping it greatly to victory. For now, he is preparing to fight up-and-comer Diego Lopes at UFC 314, but here’s a look back at his interesting past.

Which Team Did Alexander Volkanovski Play Rugby For?

The former UFC featherweight champion reigned as the division king for over 1500 days and is already in the GOAT conversation. However, his rugby league career paid dividends as well. Despite being only about 5 feet 6 inches in height, making him smaller than most players in his position, Volkanovski excelled as a front-rower, known for his toughness, strength, and exceptional defensive skills. A team favorite, he competed in the South Coast Rugby League for the Warilla Gorillas.

After roughly spending 9 years in the sport, according to certain sources, Alexander Volkanovski decided to pursue a career in MMA, but it wasn’t new to him. MMA was always on his mind. “I actually started MMA as a kid to keep fit while I was playing rugby league,” he told Joe Rogan when he sat down with the UFC commentator on his JRE podcast. 

Clearly, his previous sport had an influence, and so did the team he played for. But let’s take a look at his accolades, records, and the physique he Alexander Volkanovski sported during his rugby career.

Alexander Volkanovski’s weight, record, and more from his rugby career 

The former UFC featherweight champion was known to take on much larger opponents and was involved in scuffles with them, displaying fearlessness and an unyielding fighting spirit, just like he does in the cage. Alex Volkanovski helped his team win the league when he played for Warilla Gorillas, especially in winning the 2011 Premiership. And guess what? ‘The Great’ was named Man of the Match in the grand final victory over Gerringong.

A year before the amazing win in 2011, Alexander Volkanovski bagged the Mick Cronin Medal as the league’s best player. You’d be surprised to know that the 36-year-old didn’t weigh anywhere near his current weight, given that he competes as a 145’er. During his time as a rugby player, Volkanovski weighed as much as 214 pounds. He even admitted the same during his JRE appearance, “I actually started MMA as a kid to keep fit while I was playing rugby league. That was when I was 214 pounds.”

He really made a significant transition while fighting in MMA. The Wollongong native started as a 185fer in his amateur days. He later fought for several promotions around the time of his rise to the sport until he joined the UFC, debuting against Yusuke Kasuya at a UFC: Fight Night event on the 27th of November 2016. Since then, ‘Volk’ has stuck with the promotion, eventually rising to become the champion.

How did rugby help Volkanovski in MMA?

Alexander Volkanovski’s rugby background played a crucial role in shaping his abilities and mindset, enabling him to excel in mixed martial arts. So much so that he defeated Max Holloway in 2019 to become the featherweight champion. He remained undefeated for a few years before losing the lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev in 2023 and 2024, while also dropping the belt to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. But he’s still going strong and is more confident than ever heading into UFC 314.

Rugby also instilled in Alexander Vokkanovski mental toughness and discipline, which proved valuable in MMA’s high-pressure environment. His grappling expertise from rugby contributed to his wrestling and takedown abilities. Motivated by his family, ‘The Great’s rugby foundation, coupled with his natural talent, has propelled him to become a top contender and a long-reigning champion.

Well, Diego Lopes is young and hungry, but that doesn’t mean Alexander Volkanovski isn’t. However, at UFC 314, we’ll find out exactly who’s more hungry to become the UFC featherweight champion. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.